Growing up in Mississippi, I was very aware of the struggle between maintaining my identity and being accepted by others. As a gay man who didn’t come out until my late 20s, I often felt the pressure to conform to the conservative environment around me. Moving to New Orleans in 2017 was a huge relief for me, as I found a vibrant and welcoming community that not only accepted me but also celebrated who I am. This experience has given me a strong sense of pride and purpose, which has profoundly influenced both my personal and professional life.
I can remember many different times growing up struggling with how to face coming out to friends and family. I remember the first time I introduced my mom to my first boyfriend and didn’t warn her before I did. She told me the next day she would always love me and support me and my friends because I was her son, but she would always pray that I wasn’t gay. She prayed for that to come true until she passed away in August of last year. My mom always played a huge role in my life, and living with the fact she never truly fully accepted me has always been extremely tough.
I can also remember the first time I proclaimed I was gay in a professional setting. I was selected to be part of the Mississippi Coast Chamber’s Leadership Gulf Coast Class, and during our session that discussed about diversity issues and topics, the facilitator asked certain groups of individuals to come forward to demonstrate how many people were different from one another. The facilitator called up women, Asian Americans, and African Americans – and then called for anyone who identified as gay or lesbian to come up to the front of the room. I bravely walked forward and was the only person in the room of nearly 30 people standing there by myself. One friend who was also there came to stand by me as an ally so I would not be by myself. I saw the shock on the faces of several people in the room who did not know I was gay. I also looked at the back of the room and saw a handful of close friends in tears who were so proud of the fact I decided to stand up and tell the group I was gay. That moment helped change my perspective that I needed to be brave for myself and also represent others who didn’t dare to be as courageous as I was to show people it was okay to be yourself.
New Orleans embraces Pride all year round, not just during the month of June. This is evident in the rainbow flags that businesses proudly fly throughout the city year-round, the sight of LGBTQ+ couples holding hands in public, and the inclusive policies that local organizations proudly uphold. This amazing city has taught me that Pride is more than just a personal feeling — it’s a shared experience that uplifts everyone.
As the President of the Gulf South LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce Board, I have been able to actively contribute towards creating an environment that fosters the growth and prosperity of LGBTQ+ businesses. It’s not just about networking and professional development but also about building a support system that enables business owners and professionals to be true to themselves while also making a positive economic impact on our city.
As a member of Stonewall Sports New Orleans, I have found a community that promotes friendship, solidarity and inclusivity. It is more than just a league that champions fun and playing sports; it allows everyone to participate, no matter their skill level or background. It’s heartening to see how sports can bring people together, celebrating diversity and inclusion both on and off the field.
My role as a board member of Forum for Equality Louisiana involves advocacy at a broader level, pushing for systemic change that ensures equality and justice for LGBTQ+ individuals in my city and across the state. It’s about making sure that everyone, no matter who they love or how they identify, has the same opportunities and protections under the law.
As the Director of Development for CrescentCare, an organization originating from the NO/AIDS Task Force, my work connects me to a significant part of our community’s history. CrescentCare has been a beacon of hope and healing for more than 40 years for people affected by HIV/AIDS and other health issues by providing essential healthcare and support services. My role is to ensure that this legacy continues and that the organization adapts to meet the community’s changing needs. This work serves as a reminder of the challenges we have overcome and the struggles that have paved the way for the present.
Living in New Orleans has shown me that Pride has so many meanings. It is the joy of celebrating who I am and remembering those who paved the road before me. It is the everyday acts of living openly and the ongoing struggle for equal rights. Pride is personal but also shared — a collective statement that we are here, we matter, and we belong.
To me, LGBTQ+ Pride in New Orleans is about actively creating a world where love, identity, and expression are celebrated — without reservation. It’s not just about the freedom to express who I am but also about contributing to a community that uplifts everyone. It’s about knowing that my actions — whether in a boardroom, at a sports event, or through community health — contribute to a larger movement toward acceptance and equality. I am reminded that while my journey here started with finding a place where I could be myself, I volunteer and work to ensure that future generations can say the same — with even greater conviction.
